A rare film that has a lot of tough and touching moments
When I first heard of this film, I had no idea what it was about. The only reason I originally watched it was because I got a free pass for it. I decided to give it a shot, doubting I would like it that much. Not only did I like this film, I really enjoyed it. The film has layers that no trailer will ever reveal to the audience, and deals with a time in a boys life that is relate able and brings all of those fears and anxieties to the surface. It is based on the book of the same name, and is a film all men should run and see.
Greg (Thomas Mann) is an awkward high school boy starting his senior year of high school. He has cleverly become a part of a number of the different clicks so he can survive and try to get by being unnoticed and getting into any kind of real trouble. He has one person named Earl (Ronald Cyler) who is the closest thing he has to a friend, but besides that spends most of his time alone. One day his mom and dad tell him that a girl in his class named Rachel (Olivia Cooke) has just been diagnosed with leukemia.
His mom pretty much hounds him until he agrees to go visit Rachel at least once. Greg has no idea what to say to her, and yet something peculiar starts to happen. Somehow a sort of friendship begins to develop. In time Earl also becomes friends with Rachel, and the three friends hang out. Greg and Rachel see each other more frequently, and sometimes have a lot of fun. There are good days, and some bad days as well. Greg and Earl are also amateur film makers, but all of their works are downright awful. They are cheaply made spoofs of famous films and come with even cheesier names.
Greg and Rachel build a strong bond, one that everyone should have in life at least once. But the film has some rough moments. With Rachel being sick, it is hard to know if she will ever get better. The treatment is rough on her, and Greg it not sure how to deal with this. This will be one of the best years of his life, although he doesn’t always see it that way. Will Rachel get better? What impact will she have on Greg’s life? And just how far will their friendship go?
This is a movie that took me back to my high school days. I had a lot in common with Greg when I was that age. I was very awkward, had a few clicks I was a part of and was nervous most of the time. High school is a tough time, and this movie does a splendid job of expressing that in a natural way. From the cafeteria, to the drama groups and the hallways between the classes each part of the school looks authentic and vibrant.
As this film went on, it is simple to start to fall for Greg. His character doesn’t seem to have many special qualities but as the movie gets going he grows into an entirely different person. Greg has to go through some tough growing pains as we all do, but as is common in life after all is said and done it is all worth it.
This is a different picture that separates itself from the pack, and there is many things that make it fun to watch. It is missing a few things to make it a summer blockbuster, but it has the opportunity to do well. It gets 7.5/10. Not everyone will love this picture, but don’t pass it by just because of the subtle things the trailers tell you. There is much for boys and men to learn from this movie,and others may enjoy it for the undertones it expresses.
If you want to see a good insightful movie, this is the film you should see. If you are looking something that strays for the normal routine, this is the movie for you. Kids may not enjoy it for the adult themes and elements, but teens and adults will not want to miss it. Give it a chance, you may be glad that you did.
View the trailer here:
